ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Suresh Prabhu Addresses India-Argentina Business Forum
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu,said that India is keen to strengthen bilateral ties with Argentinawhich is one of the leading trading partners of India in the Latin Americanregion. Addressing the India-Argentina Business Forum in New Delhi today, the Commerce Minister said there are complementarities between the two countries. Both countries recognize need to upgrade bilateral trade and economic relations from the current level to a higher level by utilizing the untapped potential available to both nations.
Suresh Prabhu said that India wants to partner with Argentina in its efforts to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2025. He said that Commerce & Industry Ministry has identified 12 champion sectors to enhance the contribution of services sector to USD 3 trillion. The Minister urged Invest India to create special dispensation for Argentina.
The Commerce & Industry Minister informed that Argentina is a major player in the field of agriculture and India can benefit from the expertise of Argentina in reducing pre and post-harvest losses.The Minister also said that India and Argentina can work together to reduce the impact of climate change on agriculture.
Suresh Prabhusaid Indian pharmaceutical products are recognized globally for their high quality and affordable prices and cooperation in this sector can greatly benefit consumers of Argentina. India is capable of supplying high quality generic drugs at affordable prices to meet the needs of the Argentine pharma market.
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Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Tourism organises 18th webinar titled ‘Odisha-India’s Best kept secret’ under"Dekho Apna Desh" series
The Ministry of Tourism’s Dekho Apna Desh webinar series on 12th May 2020, titled, ‘Odisha-India’s Best kept secret’ took the participants on a virtual journey into Odisha. The webinar was 18th webinar under Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series.
Shri Vishal Dev, Secretary , Government of Odisha, set the tone for the presentation with his introductory remarks giving brief introduction to the State of Odisha and highlighting on the key selling proposition of Odisha such as its ancient civilisation, famous temples with kalinga style of architecture, long coastline endowed with beautiful beaches, arts and handicrafts, culture, popular dance forms such as Odissi, Gotipua, forests. He also informed about the State initiative in promoting Eco Tourism sites.
Mr. Benjamine Simon, Managing Director, Travel link Pvt. Ltd and Mr. Jitu Mishra, Co-founder, Virasat E Hind, the presenters of this 18th session of the Ministry of Tourism webinarseries spoke about Odisha’sbouquet of wonderful offerings which are unique in character such as ancient ruins and legendary shrines; Indigenous tribes and traditions, Buddhist heritage; Royal Heritage, wilderness; Adventure activities; Coastal breaks and sea fronts; picture perfect camp sites, culture, handicrafts, fair and festivals.
The virtual journey covered places like BhitarkanikaWildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur Beach , Manglajodi – unique wetland, Satpada, Chilika lake known for sighing of unique irrawady dolphins, Simlipal National Park ,Debrigarh National Park –Ecotourism site at Hirakud reservoir, waterfall, Silent Valley – Gorge, Daringbadi nature Camp ,Mahanadi Gorge , Bhetnoi ,Beach Locations ,Tribal heritage , arts and crafts, textiles , dance forms , festivals, cuisine
The objective of Ministry of Tourism’s webinar series is to create awareness about and promote various tourism destinations of India – including the lesser known destinations and lesser known facets of popular destinations.
For those who had missed these webinars, the sessions are now available on the https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbzIbBmMvtvH7d6Zo_ZEHDA/featuredand also on all social media handles of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
The next episode of the webinar scheduled Thursday 14th May 2020 at 11.00 am, is titled ‘Mysuru : Craft Caravan of Karnataka’ and participants can join the webinar be registering at https://bit.ly/MysuruDAD
Ministry of Science & Technology
Rural Women from Assam prepare products like hand sanitizer, homemade mask to combat COVID19
Rural Women Technology Park  under CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, Supported by SEED Division, Department of Science and Technology , have engaged rural women to prepare various products such as hand sanitizer, homemade mask, and liquid disinfectant to be distributed freely among family members and poor people in the nearby village to help combat COVID 19 in the area.
"Meeting a challenge such as COVID-19 needs strong community participation and support. Self-help groups and dedicated NGOs are perfect vehicles in the current scenario for awareness creation, introducing relevant solutions, making and distributing the low tech items such as masks and disinfectants", said Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST.
Rural women from the region were trained to produce homemade mask from traditional ‘Gamocha’  by RWTP, Jorhat. Design of the home made mask has been finalized, around 150 Gamochas purchased and two sewing machines arranged .
It has been proposed that the women be paid at the rate of Rs.15/- per mask.. Apart from this, 200 liters of liquid disinfectant is being produced. The raw materials required for liquid disinfectant like dettol, ethanol, glycerine, essential oil have been acquired. The disinfectant will also be distributed freely among the family members and poor people in the nearby village.
The women of RWTP were trained before closing down on March 24. The participant women prepared about 50 litres of hand sanitizer, 160 litres of liquid disinfectant which have been distributed among the 60 women participants and their family members. The RWTP also prepared posters and leaflets on ‘COVID19 : Do’s and Don’ts’ in Assamese language for making people aware about the Corona Virus and precautionary measures to be taken during the present situation.
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Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Customised Crash Course for Covid-19 Frontline Workers
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has launched the 'Customized Crash Course Programme for COVID Frontline Workers' under the central component of PMKVY 3.0 on 18.06.2021 with the aim to train about one lakh COVID warriors in six healthcare related job roles as well as about 2,800 drivers for handling and transportation of Liquid Medical Oxygen  across the country. The objectives of the programme are to meet the upsurge in demand of skilled healthcare workers, reduce the burden of healthcare professionals and provide timely healthcare services in the country.
Customized crash course would provide avenues to youth for taking free-of-cost skill training, certification and opportunity for wage employment. Under this programme, the training is being imparted in six healthcare job roles, namely, Basic Care Support, Home Care Support, Advanced Care Support, Sample Collection Support, Emergency Care Support and Medical Equipment Support; duration of which varies from 144 hours to 312 hours.
Under fresh skilling, 21-days of theory-based classroom training is provided followed by approximately 90 days On-the-Job Training  in healthcare facility such as health centres, hospitals, diagnostic facilities, sample collection centres, etc.
Under Upskilling, training is of around one-week duration as a bridge course on the above mentioned six job roles.
For the training of drivers in handling and transportation of the LMO, duration is of 217 hours/ 27 days. The special training of HMV license-holder drivers in transportation of Hazardous Chemicals as well as LMO, along with focus on ‘defensive driving’ while transporting LMO will be conducted.
The customized crash course programme has a financial outlay of Rs. 276 crore. The Ministry is making efforts to involve network of hospitals, medical colleges, nursing homes, diagnostic centres, etc. to make this programme successful.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, ShriDharmendraPradhan in a written reply in the RajyaSabha today.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Prime Minister to Inaugurate and Lay Foundation Stones for Highways Projects Worth Rs 5010 Crore in Tamil Nadu Tomorrow
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stones for five National Highways projects worth Rs 5010 crore in Tamil Nadu tomorrow.
PM will dedicate to the nation the two-laning of 122 km section of NH-38  falling in Vellore, Thiruvannamalai and Viluppuram districts, and four laning of 32 km section of NH-381 in Tirupur district.
Shri Modi will also lay the foundation stone for four-laning of 116.5 km Vikravandi-Sethiathope-Cholapuram-Thanjavur section of NH-36  in Viluppuram, Cuddalore, Ariyalur and Thanjavur districts, six-laning of 36 km long Karaipettai-Walajapet section of NH-48  in Kanchipuram and Vellore districts, and construction of two lanes with paved shoulders along with strengthening of existing carriageway of Gudiatham bypass and Vellore bypass on NH-75  in Vellore district.
These projects will benefit by way of reduced carbon footprints, fast and safe journey, reduced travel time, and fuel saving.
Finance Commission
15th Finance Commission meets representatives of Urban Local Bodies of Punjab
The 15th Finance Commission had a detailed meeting with representatives of the Urban Local Bodies of the State of Punjab along with senior officials of the state. While the Commission raises many queries, the ULB representatives raised a number of issues.
Status as provided by Punjab on 3Fs:
❖Punjab Municipal Act, 1911 and the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976 are the acts providing for local self-governance for ULB’s
❖All 18 functions envisaged in the Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution have been devolved to ULB’s
❖Elections to ULB were held in parts in Feb 2015, Dec 2017 and Feb 2018.
❖The state is currently following the recommendations of 5th SFC Report: The Commission recommended 4% of the Net total tax revenue of the state  to be devolved to local bodies.
|
|
ULB
|
|
Number of Local Bodies 
|
|
Population as per Census, 2011
|
|
Population Served
Per body
|
|
Municipal Corporation
|
|
10
|
|
50,98,695
|
|
5,09,870
|
|
Municipal Councils
|
|
101
|
|
41,66,040
|
|
41,248
|
|
Nagar Panchayats
|
|
56
|
|
7,16,323
|
|
12,791
Revenue Sources of ULB’s
❖The main source of income of the ULBs is own revenues which include tax and non-tax revenue.
❖Percentage share of tax revenue in total revenue of ULBs increased from 58% in 2011-12 to 68.77% in 2016-17, and the proportion of non-tax revenue slid from 16.84% in 2011-12 to 14.46% during 2016-17.
|
|
Particular
|
|
2011-12
|
|
2016-17
|
|
% Increase
|
||
||
||
|
|
|
Per Capita tax revenue
|
|
1,295
|
|
1,797
|
|
38.76
|
|
Per Capita non-tax revenue
|
|
376
|
|
378
|
|
0.53
|
|
Per capita own revenue

|
|
1,671
|
|
2,175
|
|
30.16
❖The per capita details of ULB’s are as provided below:
According to Pr. AG Punjab, following are the issues pertaining to accounting of ULB
❖Accounts from the year 2011-12 to 2017-18 are in arrears.
❖No provision for accounts consolidation exists in the accounting manual prescribed for ULBs.
❖National Municipal Accounting Manual  for ULBs are yet to be followed.
❖Examiner, Local Fund and Accounts  being a statutory auditor is responsible to certify the accounts of PRIs and ULBs, but this is yet to be initiated.
❖Only 17 ULBs out of 167 ULBs could become eligible for performance grant in 2017-18.
XIV –FC Devolution to the State
|
|
Grants
|
|
All States
|
|
Punjab 
|
|
Grants to Punjab as a % to Total Grants
|
|
Basic Grant
|
|
69715
|
|
1962
|
|
2.8%
|
|
Performance Grant
|
|
17429
|
|
491
|
|
2.8%
(Observations of 5th State Finance Commission:
❖5th SFC observed that although the staff of the municipalities was given the required training, most of the municipalities were not able to provide reliable data primarily due to scarcity of staff. A large number of them had to get the services of staff of other municipalities for getting their data compiled, which resulted in poor quality of data being made available to the Commission.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Shri Anurag Thakur addresses JNU event on Swami Vivekananda's historical speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago
Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Thakur today virtually addressed an event at JNU on Swami Vivekananda's historical speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, 128 years ago.
The Minister said “I am honoured to be invited to address you today as we mark the 128th year of Swami Vivekanand Ji’s historic speech at the World Parliament of Religions at Chicago in 1893.His speech shook the world. Even today it is amongst the most powerful and memorable speeches of all time. His incisive and piercing address made an irresistible and unforgettable appeal.”
The Minister further said that ”We are a nation proud of our heritage and looking to the future. We are a nation that values new ideas and focuses on innovation for building New India. We are a nation that believes both in the healing power of Spirituality as well as the transforming power of Software to make the world a better place!”
He added that “Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s vision and mantra of - Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas embodies and encapsulates the thoughts of Swami Vivekananda Ji.”
Shri Thakur said “It paved way for establishing dialogues between the east and the west on spiritual grounds for the first time. Through his speech, he gave the World an introduction of our ancient civilisational and cultural identity. His words awakened and inspired many to assert our national identity. I remind you, it was the time of British Raj. The colonial powers had not just plundered our land…but they had also attempted to Dilute our rich ancient past, Divide our people and Distort our historical legacy and Bharat’s place in the world.Swami Vivekanand was a Spiritual Giant. He was a Globally respected thinker. An Icon who’s Ideas continue to shape our Ideals even today.India is a youthful nation of 135 crore Indians, rising and ready to lead the world.”
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
220.16 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
49,597 doses administered in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently stands at 2,257
Active cases stand at 0.01%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.8%
224 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,41,47,775
174 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
91.29 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 1,94,968 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 365
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage achieves 156 crore landmark milestone
More than 57 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 156 Crore  landmark milestone today. More than 57 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. More than 42 lakh  Precaution Doses for the identified categories of beneficiaries for COVID vaccination have been administered so far. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10390208
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9777483
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
1777481
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18388836
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17048294
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
1414729
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
33609191
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
524053061
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
367383765
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
197404889
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
160500183
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
122998229
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
100485978
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
1077783
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
906844414
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
655195703
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
4269993
|
|
Total
|
|
1566310110
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 15th January, 2022 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
193
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
4102
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
151404
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
157
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
8679
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
147975
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1038183
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1182901
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1947965
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
162534
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
542904
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
88905
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
295917
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
157941
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
2472873
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
2799567
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
457320
|
|
Total
|
|
5729760
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Ministry of Communications
India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2022 approved at 2nd ASEAN Digital Ministers  meeting
‘ICTs strengthen democratic systems and institutions through enhanced engagement between citizens and the state’: Shri Devusinh Chauhan
The 2nd ASEAN Digital Ministers  meeting with India held yesterday on a virtual platform. H.E. Shri Devusinh Chauhan, Minister of State for Communications  and H.E. Admiral Tin Aung San, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Myanmar co-chaired the meeting.
The ADGMIN is an annual meeting of Telecom Ministers of 10 ASEAN  countries -Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam and dialogue partner countries - Australia, Canada, China, EU, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia, UK and US. The meeting discussed and deliberated various matters relevant to strengthening regional digital cooperation in the spirit of digital inclusion and integration.
Addressing the august gathering of Digital Ministers, Shri Devusinh Chauhan emphasized that Information and Communication Technologies enable and strengthen democratic systems and institutions through enhanced engagement between citizens and the state. He added that use of ICTs promote free speech, human rights and the free flow of information besides expanding citizens' opportunities to participate in decision-making process and have potential to transform lives of people living in rural areas.
The Minister recalled vision of our Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to leverage different technological solutions for development of the nation. In his address, Shri Devusinh Chauhan stated that COVID-19 is not only a challenge for the public health system, but it is also, shaking the economic and social orders of the countries. In this scenario, Information and Communications Technologies  have emerged as powerful tools to mitigate the effects of pandemic in different spheres of public life and they are foundations of the global economy.
The Ministers meeting approved the India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2022. The workplan includes system for combating the use of stolen and counterfeit mobile handsets, WiFi Access network interface for nationwide public internet, the capacity building and knowledge sharing in emerging areas in the field of Information and Communication Technologies such as Internet of Things , 5G, Advanced Satellite Communication, Cyber Forensics, etc. The ongoing and proposed projects in ICTs, will strengthen collaboration between India and ASEAN by leveraging complementary strengths of each other.RKJ/M
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Competition Commission of India
CCI approves acquisition up to 16.94% equity share capital of IRB Infrastructure Developers Limited by Bricklayers Investment Pte. Ltd.
The Competition Commission of India  approves acquisition up to 16.94% equity share capital of IRB Infrastructure Developers Limited  by Bricklayers Investment Pte. Ltd.  under Section 31 of the Competition Act, 2002.
The proposed combination relates to GIC Investor’s proposed acquisition of up to 16.94% of the share capital of the Target on a fully diluted basis and non-fully diluted basis, through the subscription of new shares issued by way of a preferential issue on a private placement.
The proposed combination is in the nature of an acquisition and falls under Section 5 of the Competition Act, 2002.
GIC Investor
GIC Investor is a foreign direct investor, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GIC Infra Holdings Pte. Ltd.  which, in turn, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GIC  Private Limited . GIC Investor was incorporated on 22 May 2019 and is a special purpose vehicle  organized as a private limited company in Singapore that is part of a group of investment holding companies managed by GIC Special Investments Private Limited .
Target
Target is a public company incorporated in India in 1998 and is the holding company of the IRB Group. Target is primarily engaged in carrying out construction works in accordance with engineering, procurement and construction  contracts, providing operation and maintenance  services of roads and highways.
Target has ancillary interests in power generation through wind sources, real estate service and the development and operation of airports.
Detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Special Service and Features
STAFF SELECTION COMMISSION
COMBINED HIGHER SECONDARY  LEVEL EXAMINATION, 2023
Staff Selection Commission has published Notification for “Combined Higher Secondary  Examination, 2023” on 09.05.2023. The Commission will conduct a competitive examination for recruitment to the Group C Posts viz. Lower Divisional Clerk/Junior Secretariat Assistant, and Data Entry Operators for various Ministries/Departments/Offices of Government of India and Various Constitutional Bodies/Statutory Bodies/Tribunals etc. Candidates from all parts of the country will be eligible to apply.
2. Information regarding detail of post, age limit, essential educational qualification, fee payable, scheme of examination, how to apply, etc. are given in detail in the Recruitment Notice.
3. Applications must be submitted in online mode only through Commission’s website ssc.nic.in . The last date for submission of online applications is 08.06.2023  and last date for making online fee payment is 10.06.2023 .
4. In Southern Region, Computer Based Examination will be held in August 2023 in 22 Centres/Cities as follows: 10 Centres in Andhra Pradesh; 01 Centre in Puducherry; 08 Centres in Tamil Nadu; 03 Centres in Telangana.
5. The Press Note is being issued for giving wider publicity for the benefit of prospective applicants.
According to a press release issued by K.Nagaraja, Regional Director, Staff Selection Commission